A high specification security window that also respects the external appearance of heritage and historic buildings has been launched by Crittall Fendor.
The SwingVent Heritage window acknowledges the fact that many NHS and private healthcare providers occupy buildings that were designed and built in the Victorian era. In many cases these beautiful buildings are listed and altering or upgrading them so as to meet modern care requirements is challenging as local planners retain strict control on matters concerning external appearance.
However, where the medical facility is one caring for people with mental health problems the windows need to be both extra safe and secure. The modern security window, that also meets current energy requirements, is popular in new build projects but is unsuited to older facades.
In order to remedy this Crittall Fendor has combined the qualities of the thermally broken steel framed T60 window specified extensively on heritage buildings with their very successful SwingVent. The T60 provides a traditional steel window external appearance while the inner SwingVent window presents the full range of special safety and security features. These include an anti-ligature flush internal frame so as to help prevent attempts at self-harm. Patients can control their own level of ventilation through a specially designed ventilator with a flush control mechanism that cannot be forced.
The slim steel frame maximises natural light and ventilation and double, triple, security grade, solar or acoustic glazing can be fitted depending on requirements.
The window is available in top hung, side hung and fully fixed options and offers impressive U values. For example, SwingVent Heritage windows can achieve a U value of 1.5W/m2K with true divide line and as low as 1.1W/m2K with simulated divide lines and specialist thermal glass.
Feedback on the SwingVent Heritage window received by Crittall Fendor from the Design in Mental Health Network Exhibition is very positive and the company is already talking to healthcare providers who have a need for this window.